Best Match

Thank you. I understand your point. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to get him a new amp.

@beijinglarry 

Were I in your position, before a new DAC I would look into amplifier(s) better suited to the Maggies 3.6.

I'm a fan of Classé amps. I own a pair of Classé monoblocks which I love. But the CAP-151 was in a different product category, and it's doubtful it can deliver the kind of current big Maggies crave. I would expect a pair of big-iron monoblocks to deliver sound quality improvement far beyond anything in the digital chain.

I think it’s a great idea that your friend will appreciate.  That DAC is an upgrade and he’ll think of you and your thoughtful gift when he uses it.  
You know I really don’t know you but I’ve always considered you a friend, I was thinking about a McIntosh amp for my birthday so…

Thank you for this information.  I'll check it out. I'll definitely follow up with my friend to be sure he's using the network 

I was assuming you misspoke when you said he was using Bluetooth with Tidal, but if he’s really streaming using Bluetooth that needs to end because it’s a nonstarter and a complete waste of Tidal.  Incidentally the Pontus 15th is apparently a big step up from the 12th, and maybe he could do a demo through @audioman58 here who offers nice discounts and is a distributor for Denafrips products.  Here’s a link in case it helps…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbcg07-denafrips-pontus-15-dac-excellent-review-da-converters

Thank you. I'll certainly help him to move to the network. I was told that a Denafrips Pontus ll 12th Anniversary maybe a better match than a Qutest for his existing components. I realize these are individual preferences so it seems this type of gift may not be the way to go. Thank you

He should stop Bluetooth and use his network to stream @beijinglarry 

That is a more appreciable thing to adjust than a new DAC

If it is a step from Bluetooth then he should note an improvement.  Whether he cares may be an issue to resolve before your well intended gift is purchased 

Are you sure he is streaming to the Node over Bluetooth from Tidal running on his phone? If so, the best gift you could give him is to teach him how to use the Node app to stream Tidal over his network to the Node. Switching from Bluetooth to network streaming will up his sound quality significantly. 

I appreciate your point and suggestion. Thank you. I have a Chord Qutest. Maybe it's better to bring it over to his house to see what he thinks

That’s a very nice thought, but DACs (like all audio equipment) are a very personal choice so without knowing what your friend’s tastes are it’s not really possible to say if it would be an improvement for him or not.  That said, if I was him I would be looking for a better DAC given the rest of his system.  One thing you might consider that would likely make a nice improvement would be to get an external linear power supply for the Node from LHY, SBooster, or Teddy Pardo that would cost anywhere from around $250 - $400 depending on the model.  Hope this helps.